How to Find a Trusted Roofer in Southend, Rayleigh or Benfleet

Rogue roofers are a real problem in Essex, especially after storms when dodgy traders cold-call asking if 'they noticed tiles loose'. Here's how to filter the honest tradesmen from the chancers in six questions.

1. Are you fully insured?

Ask for the policy document, not just a yes. A proper roofer will email you their public liability certificate (minimum £2 million) without hesitation. If they get cagey, walk away.

2. Are you on Checkatrade or similar?

Checkatrade vets traders before listing them and customers can't fake reviews. It's not the only sign of a good trader but it's a strong one. Search the trader's name on Checkatrade and read more than the top three reviews.

3. Can I see photos of similar jobs you've done?

Any roofer who's been working for more than a year has a phone full of before-and-after photos. If they can't show you any, they're either new or hiding something.

4. Can you give me three references in [your town]?

Local references you can actually call. Not a vague 'we've done loads in the area'.

5. Will you put the quote in writing and itemise it?

A scribbled number on the back of a business card isn't a quote. You want labour, materials, scaffolding, skip and VAT broken out separately.

6. What guarantee do you offer?

Minimum: 12 months on a repair, 10 years on a full re-roof, all in writing on headed paper with the company registration number.

Red flags

• •Cold-callers offering to 'check your roof while they're in the area'
• •Cash-only with no VAT receipt
• •Pressure to pay a large deposit (more than 10–15%)
• •No fixed business address or company number
• •Quote that's dramatically cheaper than the other two

We tick all of the above. Family-run, fully insured, Checkatrade, written guarantees on every job. 07928 888913.